Where To Go This Fall

ASCENSION PARISH
What’s to love 
Known as Louisiana’s sweet spot, Ascension Parish is more than sugar cane fields. The area is immersed in 500 years of history where Native American, Spanish, French, German, Italian, African and Acadian cultures have thrived and mingled.  Take a trip to the charming city of Donalsonville to visit the River Road African American Museum.  Check out the outstanding exhibits related to the history and culture of African Americans in rural communities along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.  Nearby, stop in to see Alvin Batiste, a self-taught primitive artist and Louisiana‘s premier folk artist.
Must do
Check out Sugarfield Spirits, a locally owned craft distillery that provides local flavor and Louisiana tradition in their handcrafted Spirits. Enjoy tours, tastings and unique cocktails made with their specialty Liqueurs. It’s the perfect spot for a date night!
See more at visitlasweetspot.com

HAMMOND EATS
What’s to love
About 45 miles east of Baton Rouge and 45 miles west of New Orleans, Hammond is now considered a foodie hot spot.  Try out One Thirteen.  One Thirteen’s executive chef, Ryan Haigler, has wowed taste buds from New York City to New Orleans. His wood burning technique offers a special flavor like nothing else.  Other restaurants that are a must on the Hammond foodie tour include, La Carreta, Si Senor Taqueria and don’t forget to check out Salty Joe’s BBQ.
Must do
Located in downtown Hammond, Streetside Market has an atmosphere reminiscent of an open market. This concept is perfect for foodies eager to explore various dishes from cultures around the world in a communal dining setting.  Try the Tonkotsu Ramen if you like Asian cuisine and if you are a pizza lover, the Downtown Pizza is a must.
See more at streetsidemarket.com.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER
What’s to love
The sister cities are the place for nightlife and non-stop adventure.  If you’re feeling lucky, visit one or all five riverboat casinos in town.  Make sure you try the iconic Shreveport stuffed shrimp, a local delicacy that originated in the kitchen of Freeman & Harris Café.  Looking to shop? Check out the riverfront at Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets.
Must do
Experience Prize Fest, an amazing street festival.  The festival began in 2012 and has become a local favorite celebrating film, food, music, fashion and comedy in downtown Shreveport.  If carnival fun is what you are looking for, the State Fair of Louisiana is another must do. This year’s fair is in Shreveport on October 28 through November 14.
Local best kept secret
Take in the beauty of the Sportsman’s Paradise at Cypress Black Bayou in Benton. Cypress Park includes a marina, swimming, camping, cabin, fishing piers, a zoo, and more.
See more at Shreveport-bossier.org.

ST. TAMMANY PARISH
What’s to love
Nestled along the northern shores of Lake Pontchartrain, St Tammany Parish offers small-town charm with a twist of adventure. If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, there’s hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, you name it. Hungry? The delectable #TammanyTaste culinary scene is on fire.
Must do
Dine with a waterfront view at Pat’s Rest Awhile, Tchefucte’s and Palmettos on the Bayou.  For some retail therapy, shop for gifts at Girod Street, Olde Towne and Lee Lane boutiques. Bring your dancing shoes to groove to the sounds of music at open-air venues such as, Pontchartrain Vineyards, Columbia Street Landing and Heritage Park.
Local best kept secret
Take the helm on a sailboat or cast a line on a fishing charter. Don’t forget to tour the pristine Honey Island Swamp and bike the Tammany Trace. For you foodies, savor the flavors of fresh Gulf seafood at local favorites; Restaurant Coté, Forks & Corks and Mandeville Seafood.
See more at louisiananorthshore.com

WEST FELICIANA PARISH
What’s to love
The fall in West Feliciana is the perfect time to visit the naturalists’ paradise.  Visitors can embrace the outdoors by birding, hiking, canoeing or cycling.  Audubon State Historic Site Oakley House is located here in West Feliciana.  Tour the home and lush natural setting with a variety of birds that inspired the 50+ bird paintings Audubon completed while staying at Oakley.
Must do
Discover the home of the 1,500-year-old giant bald cypress tree on Cat Island.  Its height is 96 ft., and its circumference is 56 ft. Make sure to visit the unique shops and historic district in the small town of St Francisville.  Not to be missed, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Restaurant 1796 at the Myrtles and the newly renovated St Francisville Inn. Both restaurants deliver delightful dishes and a lovely ambiance that is southern charm perfection.
See more at explorewestfeliciana.com.

HOUMAS HOUSE
What’s to Love
A true escape from city life, Houmas House offers tranquil gardens, amazing restaurants, a boutique inn and a historic mansion.  In the fall, the crisp mornings or afternoon sun are perfect times for a walk in the garden. Celebrate the traditional harvest season including special decorations inside and out for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Must do
Tour the historic mansion and learn about life in the 1800’s.  The Turtle Bar is not to be missed.  This quaint bar seats 20 people but is home to more than 250 whiskeys and hundreds of wines and spirits.
See more at houmashouse.com

THE COOK HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER AT LSU
What’s to love 
Fall is a great time to plan a day trip or a vacay to Baton Rouge. The weather is perfect for a walk around the lakes or a tour on LSU campus. If you are visiting, book a stay at The Cook Hotel. The hotel is celebrating 20 years this fall and is known as the home to business and leisure travelers as well as the host to many LSU guests including football and basketball teams.
Must do 
Tour Tiger Stadium and Alex Box Stadium, two of the nation’s premier collegiate athletic facilities. Try some of these local restaurant favs, Raising Canes (the original location), The Chimes, Parrain’s and Mestizo’s- all close to campus. Don’t forget to say hello to Mike VII in his habitat.
Local Best Kept Secret
Visit the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum, located on the grounds of The Cook Hotel, contains over 13,000 artifacts and memorabilia from over three decades of LSU football.
See more at thecookhotel.com

LSU RURAL LIFE MUSEUM
What’s to love 
LSU Rural Life Museum allows visitors to step into Louisiana’s past. Tour 32 historic outbuildings that spread over 25 acres in Baton Rouge.  Bring the kids to enjoy storytelling, cake walks, games and trick or treating on Halloween.
Must do 
Choose from more than 200 foreign domestic and home brewed beer and ales to taste at the Zapp’s International Beerfest on October 23. Plan to ring in the Christmas season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration including music and storytelling.   
See more at lsu.edu/rurallife

RENAISSANCE HOTEL & TALLULAH CRAFTED FOOD & WINE BAR
What’s to love
Staying the night is a pleasure in the comfortable and plush room at the Renaissance Hotel. A perfect fall get-away in the heart of Baton Rouge, the Renaissance Hotel, allows visitors access to premiere shopping, the medical district and LSU.
Must do
Sit back and experience a seamlessly blend of Southern hospitality and upscale décor. With over 32 sensational wines by the glass, you can sip on your favorite at the Tallulah Wine Bar.  Recommended dishes include the seared redfish or filet mignon with port wine reduction. Can you say delicious?
See more at renhotels.com/batonrouge

WEST BATON ROUGE
What’s to love
Whether your passion is football, high speed drag racing, or historic plantation homes and scenic views of the Mighty Mississippi, West Baton Rouge has all of the above.  WBR is the home of the Kite Fest Louisiane held every spring.  In the fall, plan to spend a day in plantation country touring the West Baton Rouge Museum or Nottoway Plantation & Inn (currently only open for special events), Laura Creole Plantation, and end the day at Oak Alley Plantation and dinner at the Cabin Restaurant.
Must do
Travel River Road to see historic homes. Stop at the Riverfront Overlook to catch a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.  While you’re there, take a walk on the paved promenade or relax on the viewing benches. If biking is your thing, follow the river along the West Baton Rouge Heritage Trailway, including the DeSoto Levee Top Trail.
Local Best Kept Secret
The locals love Morley Bar, Restaurant and Marina on the Intracoastal Canal in “Back Brusly.”  It’s the only boat launch and considered a favorite watering hole in WBR.  Make sure to check out their live music on Sunday evenings.
See more at westbatonrouge.net

THREE ROLL ESTATE
What’s to love
Nestled in the heart of Louisiana’s fertile delta, Three Roll Estate’s sugarcane farm and mill has been a part of their family for generations. As Louisiana’s single estate distillery, they crush the cane and grow through three steel rolls to make ingredients for distillation. Each Three Roll spirit is a unique expression of rich history, land, and process.
Must do
Explore the history and process of Louisiana spirits, from Cane to Glass. During your tour, you’ll learn about Louisiana’s main agricultural commodity and how Three Roll’s distillers use science and a bit of magic to create their sugar cane-based spirits. After, you will return to the Tasting Room bar where adults 21 and up will have an opportunity to sample award-winning spirits and other handcrafted cocktails. See more at threeroll.com